FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[BlueToad]

Hi. New to the board, first post.

I'm just starting a mineral collection with the end goal of collecting each of the natural occuring elements. Where possible I'd lke to get something of gem quality - for both durability and beauty. For example, a piece of spodumene for the element lithium, malachite for the element carbon, and etc...

My first problem has been nitrogen. Not too many gems (semi-precious or not) contain it - at least that I've been able to find. Where I can't find an actual gemstone, a mineral specimen will be fine - but even those seem in short supply for nitrogen, at least as far as nice crystal growth goes.

The closest I've come is mosesite. It seems to have some nice yellow crystals. Any other ideas out there? Preferably something stable, easily seen with naked eye, and with eye-appeal.

Thanks for your help

[alfredo]

Tsaregorodsevite.

[mmauthner]

BlueToad,
According to the IMA, there are 78 minerals containing nitrogen. Kleinite, another mercury mineral, also occurs as colorful crystals (yellow-orange). However, for larger crystals with aesthetic, interesting habits, I might suggest chasing down a Tajikistan salammoniac. Struvite occurs in some interesting localities...some two-legged (though Science does not consider these "minerals")...and so does niter.

Good luck,
Mark

[crocoite]

Gerhardtite is probably my favourite nitrate mineral. A nice greenish blue. Pretty rare though. Regards, Steve

[BlueToad]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Now I just need to find someone that sells the stuff.

I found one more - Buttgenbachite